Teen Breaks World Powerlifting Record

Sixteen-year-old Ty Gardner of Salisbury, North Carolina, set a new world record with a 501.5-pound squat in the 365 Strong World Powerlifting Federation on January 10, 2026. The lift, which took place at his first-ever full powerlifting meet, has positioned him as number one in the world for his age and weight class within the federation. Gardner has been training in formal technique since he was nine years old. Gardner's record-setting day also included a 220.5-pound bench press and a 402.3-pound deadlift, contributing to a total of 1124.3 pounds lifted. This accomplishment highlights a growing trend of young athletes pushing boundaries in strength sports, traditionally dominated by adults. The Tbilisi 2026 European Open Championships, running from March 6-11, will serve as a mandatory event for athletes on the pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. The competition is set to feature 196 athletes from 27 different National Paralympic Committees, showcasing a wide array of international talent. Among the elite para powerlifters competing in Tbilisi are established stars and Paralympic medalists. Two-time Paralympic champion Nazmiye Muratli and Paris 2024 silver medalist Besra Duman will represent a strong Turkish contingent in the women's events. For the men, Great Britain's Mark Swan and Italy's Donato Telesca are slated to defend their European titles. Host nation Georgia will be represented by 29 competitors, with their biggest star, Akaki Jintcharadze, competing in the men's over 107kg category on March 10. The event marks the second consecutive time Georgia has hosted the European Open Championships, having also staged the World Championships in 2021.